ALLERGY TEST Gallery

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•  The skin prick test is one of the most common allergy tests performed in an allergy clinic by specially trained staff. A skin prick test, also called a puncture or scratch test, checks for immediate sensitivity to many substances. This test is typically done to identify aller¬gies to pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites, and foods. In adults, the test is usually done on the forearm. Children could also be tested on the upper back. 
• The healthcare provider closely watches the skin for swelling and redness or other signs of reaction, Results are usually seen within 15 to 20 minutes.
• Before any allergy testing, the health care provider will ask for detail history about Illnesses, Where you reside and work, Lifestyle Foods, and eating habits. Allergy medicines can change the results of skin tests. Your doctor will tell you which of the medicines to avoid and when to stop taking them before the test.

Skin tests may cause very mild discomfort when the skin is pricked.
If you've got allergies, just a touch of swelling that looks and feels like a mosquito bite will occur where the allergen(s) to which you are allergic was introduced. you don't have to wait long to find out what is triggering your allergies. Reactions occur within about 20 minutes. And you generally won't have any other symptoms besides the small papule or hives where the tests were done, which getaway within 30 minutes 

 Normal Results :

•  A negative test result means there have been no or minimal skin changes in response to the allergen compared to negative control saline. This negative reaction most frequently means that you are not allergic to the substance 

 Abnormal Results :

• A positive result means you reacted to a substance. Your doctor will see a red, raised area called a wheal. Skin tests are usually accurate. A positive diagnostic test means that you are sensitized to the particular allergen. Although allergic sensitization may be a major risk factor for allergic disease, it's not synonymous with allergic disease. 
• People can have a positive response to a substance with allergy skin testing, but not have any problems with that particular sub¬stance in everyday life. Diagnosis of allergy relies upon positive skin tests which correlate with your clinical history. In rare cases, an individual may have a negative allergy test and still be allergic to the substance.
• Your doctor will consider your symptoms and also the results of your skin test to suggest lifestyle changes you can make to avoid substances that may be causing your symptoms. The Doctor may prescribe certain medicines including antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and decongestants to manage your symptoms. 

                                                  ALLERGEN IMMUNOTHERAPY

• Additionally, the Doctor can also recommend allergen immunotherapy. Allergen immunotherapy could provide long-lasting benefits. you'll be able to "train" your immune system not to react exaggeratedly to an allergen anymore. this is often done through a series of allergy shots called immunotherapy. One to 2 weekly shots expose you to very small doses of the allergen, which causes sensitivity. The dose is gradually increased, usually during a 3 to six months period. Maintenance shots are needed every four weeks for 3 to five years. 
• Immunotherapy is sometimes used when other treatments like anti-symptomatic medication are not satisfactory.

•  Your doctor may NOT advise skin testing soon if you 
• 1) Have had a severe hypersensitive reaction within 6 weeks. you may be so sensitive to certain substances that even the tiny amounts used in skin tests could trigger a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis). However, a skin prick test may be repeated after 6 weeks with appropriate precautions.
• 2)  Taken medications that would interfere with test results within last 5 days. These include antihistamines, many antidepressants, and a few heartburn medications. Your doctor may determine that it's better for you to continue taking these medi¬cations than to temporarily discontinue them in preparation for a skin test.
• 3) Have certain active skin conditions. If you've got a skin condition (severe eczema or psoriasis) that affects large areas of skin on your arms and back — the usual testing sites — there may not be enough clear, uninvolved skin to try and do an effective test. in such a case, a biopsy may be performed.

                                                            IS THIS TEST SAFE .?
  Very small amounts of allergens are tested on your skin, so skin testing is safe. During the test, the allergist will anticipate a possibly severe allergic reaction, but it rarely happens.

• Skin tests are best performed in an allergist's office to assure thAT test results are read properly and to reduce the risk of rare side effects.